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markhowe
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 10:01 am: | 
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I agree with Dick; some of the heavy fancy boats that cost a lot may not survive any better than the others. Anybody know of a Catalina that has been thru a hurricane?
There was a lot of discussion years ago of the pros and cons of performance cruisers. The idea was that maybe a light performance boat could survive a storm better simply because of its ability to sail to a better place.
In the Cabo disaster years ago, the point was made that the heavy cruisers were unable to escape. They ended up on the beach. Never had a chance. [Remember the Wet Snail? name for the heavy Westsail that sometimes had washers, dryers, air conditioning, etc.]
The important thing is to beef up a boat for a blue water cruise. Check everything, replace any suspect hardware with heavier, same with sails, lots has been written on that subject. |
dickb (dickb)
| | Posted on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 02:44 pm: |
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Thanks for your input, Pete. To be honest, the thought of buying a new boat was obliterated from my conciousness the same day the thought occured to me and has not returned. The spectre of spending as much on a boat as I would on a house, then spending the next 30 years working to pay for it rather than sailing on it is just too much for me. And as far as partners go, I would need at least 10 of them, and it's really tricky to get rid of that many people on a single crossing and get away with it. (OOOOO! Note to self: Botchelism)
What I'm looking for is more along the lines older, out-of-production builders like Pearson and Bayfield. Boats with good reputations and track-records, solidly built and not necessarily well-known names.
I know I'm asking a lot, but there is not a ton of information on older versions of this class of boat out there. So, I figured that someone who has spent a great deal of time visiting the anchorages of the world may remember coming across some fine examples of production cruising boats. Of course, anyone contributing to the foray is greatly appreciated. |
Pete Height
| | Posted on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 01:42 pm: |
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Dick,
At the DP Boat Show, the boats made by Pacific Seacraft and Island Packet appear to be genuine blue water boats. I didn't ask the price because I know they are out of my range right now but they might be affordable on a partnership basis.
Cabo Rico also makes a strong boat in the 28 ft. size that looks strong. You'd have to check the used boats in these models to see how much depreciation is a factor.
Pete |
dickb (dickb)
| | Posted on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 12:24 pm: |
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Mark,
While we're on the topic, in your experience, what are some of the boats (make/model/size) that have proven to be well-found blue-water cruisers in the 25-35 foot range? By the way, I'm not allergic to older models (err, boat-models that is), full-keels or the smaller sized boats. |
Charles
| | Posted on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 12:05 pm: |
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I saw the Hanse 311 down in San Diego and later did some web research. It was a beautiful yacht. Reminded me of Beneteau inside. I would worry about service and support. They only list 2 North American dealers, one on the west coast and one on the east coast. I agree with Mark, while the price is attractive I think by the time you fit it with electronics, etc your going to still be above the price a well fitted late model Cat 320. |
markhowe
| | Posted on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 11:29 am: |
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My experience with self tacking jibs is they have very little power. All I have seen are simply club footed so no overlap is possible past the mast. They are difficult to shape without going forward and tying extra lines and of course no genoa capability. Same problem with club footed staysls. If they have a new concept, it would be interesting to hear.
Price sounds pretty good, but I'd go for a used Catalina myself. does the Hanse have the cutout transom like the new Cats.? |
Pete Height
| | Posted on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 10:31 am: |
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Hello All,
I was at DP Boat Show Sunday 6/1/03 and saw some quality sail boats. My interest is in Hanse 311 which is beautifully finished inside and out and had boat show priced of approx. $84K. The salesman said the mfg. is in Germany and the boat was designed to directly compete with Catalina boats esp. the 320, which I believe is priced well over $100K. The mfg. wants market share in the USA and is pricing the boat aggressively for the American market. The most interesting feature on this boat is the "self tacking" jib. Does anyone know how this works and is it really worthwhile? It would seem to be perfect for single-handed sailing. Any comments on the boat or the sail rig?
Pete |
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